Governor Beebe Presented the Governor's Award for Excellence in Global Trade to TPF Member Companies: Cobb-Vantress, Inc. and Keith Smith Co. Inc.
Four Arkansas companies were honored for their leadership and success in exporting throughout the world. Governor Mike Beebe presented the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Global Trade to AmerCable Incorporated of El Dorado (large manufacturer exporter category); Weldon, Williams and Lick Incorporated of Fort Smith (small/medium manufacturer category); Cobb-Vantress Incorporated of Siloam Springs (large agribusiness category) and Keith Smith Company Incorporated of Hot Springs (small/medium agribusiness exporter).
The presentation was made during an awards luncheon at the Governor’s Mansion. “This award recognizes companies that are taking Arkansas’s economic-development message to a global audience,” Beebe said. “The trade successes these Arkansas companies have experienced benefit both our economy and our international reputation.”
Judging criteria was based on factors such as most recent percentage of export sales to total sales, growth of export sales over the past three years, the company’s goals and commitments internationally and the number of jobs saved or created due to the company’s export performance if applicable.
“The Arkansas District Export Council is excited to be a part of these awards in conjunction with World Trade Week and the President’s National Export Initiative,” said Dan Hendrix, chair of the Council and president and CEO of the Arkansas World Trade Center. “These four companies have positioned themselves as leaders not only in Arkansas, but throughout the world.” Nominations were reviewed by a committee of the Arkansas District Export Council, which is composed of government, business and education leaders from across Arkansas. In addition to the Governor’s Office, this award is co-sponsored by the Arkansas District Export Council, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, U. S. Commercial Service Export Assistance Center Arkansas, and the Arkansas World Trade Center.
LARGE AGRIBUSINESS EXPORTER CATEGORY: Cobb- Vantress Incorporated (a Tyson Foods subsidiary) Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Jerry Moye, President. Cobb-Vantress Inc. produces poultry breeder stock and currently sells in 84 countries. The Cobb core purpose is to make protein healthy and affordable for everyone. An important element is the ability to convert grain into meat which makes them competitive in overseas markets and provides affordable protein in those markets.
SMALL/MEDIUM AGRIBUSINESS EXPORTER CATEGORY: Keith Smith Company Incorporated, Hot Springs, Arkansas, Jim Smith, CEO.
Keith Smith Company Inc. produces broiler hatching eggs and currently sells in 11 international markets. Its success is based on adherence to an excellent export strategy that is centered on keen market analysis, strong customer service and a never ending dedication to quality. The company’s mindset is that sales will not be missed, no matter where in the world the market is located. No export shipment is too complicated or too difficult for Keith Smith Company Inc. to get it to the customer.
Source:
Arkansas Economic Development Commission
May 17, 2010